While the rest of the country shovels its way through snow, I feel almost guilty pulling up to the palm trees and ocean views that welcome me at the beachfront Sunny Isles location Acqualina calls home. There are rows of Rolls Royce lined up on the sides of the valet ramp, not unlike other places in South Florida. What is rare, however, is the peaceful respite that takes me in once I walk past the front desk and make my way to the spa. I’m welcomed with mint tea and and a fresh towel for my face and hands. And for the first time in about an hour and a half of traffic and typical Miami congestion, I am able to really exhale.

Considering all the talk I’ve done on getting rid of the “mom guilt,” agreeing to check out the spa (for work research, of course) is an immediate “yes” leaping from me and my tired, puffy eyes. Which I feel are the exact right conditions under which I to conduct said research. Because the plush robe and fluffy slippers that act as my uniform for the day feel like a warm hug and a pat on the back. I sit back in a chaise, indulge in a lavender cookie, and wait for my therapist to arrive. She gives me a friendly greeting and we immediately hit it off, becoming my favorite companion for the next hour and a half – a much-needed luxury for someone who works from home in her yoga pants with only a Pomeranian to converse with.

A dimly lit room awaits with potions & elixirs, and a cushioned couch that I’m afraid I’ll never want to get up from. I pick out the scents that appeal most to me, indulgently choosing between orange blossom and lavender, eucalyptus and lemongrass. And it dawns on me that this is probably the last thing I could have pictured myself doing on a weekday morning, but certainly one of the greatest. The older Lucy gets, the more I have to remind myself that a mental break now and then is not just nice; it’s necessary. And once I realize that, it’s easy to really enjoy the process and accept that it’s ok that someone is actually giving me a foot massage while I sit back and contemplate how I got so lucky.

The foot massage is followed by a mini facial and a balancing massage with volcanic hot stones – and I relish every single second. When it’s over, I rinse off and put on that robe again, appreciating the simplicity of not having to think about yoga pants and worn-in sneakers. Stepping onto the private spa terrace, I regret not bringing along a bathing suit, but still enjoy the view and a bento box of perfectly cooked salmon and a side of fresh fruit. The beach beckons but so does my toddler, so I take in the scenery and one last relaxing breath before heading back to the locker room to change, making a mental note of the color therapy sauna for the next time.

With ocean views, beachfront dining, and a world class spa, Acqualina is definitely a splurge. But it’s the kind of spot that feels like a destination much farther away, drowning out the noise of the traffic and the street chatter, and all the familiar sounds that make Miami the kind of place you need to seek refuge from sometimes. And this is, by far, the way to do it.

This post was kindly sponsored by Acqualina Spa but all opinions and experiences are 100% mine and honest. To book your appointment with Acqualina, call (305) 918-8000 or visit their site.

Chef Romeo Majano sits across from me in a dimly lit room with rich wood paneling and bottles of wine lining the walls. He’s comfortably sitting in his chair, relaying stories of his career trajectory over glasses of wine to me and my husband, who are drinking in both with the kind of reserved awe and excitement I imagine one would usually experience in the presence of a celebrity. Which, I suppose, Chef Romeo could be considered.

After 17 years of building Romeo’s Cafe into the quiet, dignified, yet renowned Miami establishment it is today, it feels appropriate to label Chef Romeo bit of celebrity himself – an institution in a city that loves its trends and gimmicks. But you won’t find any of the latter here. Nor will you find a printed menu. Tell him what you like, love, will or will not eat, and he will create something just for you.

Though the concept is novel – and remains so after the number of years in which he’s established it – the method remains tried and true: cook great food, and cook it well. And with a custom approach to tailor-made menus for each and every table, Romeo’s Cafe is the most innovative classic in the city that’s learning to appreciate a bit of both. If you consider yourself a foodie by any means, a night out at Romeo’s Cafe is the experience you’ve been waiting to brag about.

When it comes to career progression, Chef Romeo has truly carved out his own path. The self-taught chef began his profession by washing dishes in a gourmet kitchen and working his way up, one rung at a time. At one point, he found himself the resident chef at a luxury Bal Harbour apartment complex inhabited by wealthy residents with a slew of dietary restrictions and a variety of preferences. It was through this demanding on-the-job training that he developed the style he’s known for today.

And as a plate of pappardelle in antelope ragout is set before me, I refrain from asking what he’d have to do if someone wasn’t a fan of his cooking. Because as I take in one bite of the thick ribbons of pasta in the perfectly rich, meaty sauce, any doubt I’ve had is quickly abated and instead replaced with that sensation of warmth and appreciation I can’t help but liken to my grandmother’s cooking. It’s not just the flavors of home; it’s the care and love that’s been infused into everything. And that’s simply hard to come by in this very transient city.

We chat and sip on wine, and he tells us stories of being young and developing his work. He shares photos of his days as a body builder and marathon runner, the reason he cooks with only fresh and healthy ingredients. And he shares his experiences as young chef, coming into his own, with celebrities and politicians, and regular families alike, all frequenting his restaurant year after year, generation after generation. Dishes of paper-thin carpaccio, spicy seared tuna, and creamy risotto are dropped and eagerly consumed. And we listen attentively as this man with the gifted hands and the creative spirit regales us with the story of his passionate life.

And I can tell that he’s proud of what he’s built, even if he does admit it’s taken hours, years, making it the first thing he does in the morning, and the last thing he does at night. But he loves it. He’s passionate about it. And he makes it a point to relay that. Even though it’s clearly evident. There’s no way a man can put his soul on a plate if he hasn’t been chosen and gifted for it. And Chef Romeo clearly has.

Romeo’s Cafe is an intimate dining establishment that books up rather quickly, so if you’d like to try your luck at snagging a table for Valentine’s Day, you may have a chance at experiencing a five course meal with wine pairing at about $125/pp. I had a sneak peek of one of the potential dishes (a delicate lasagna with lobster, crab, and mussels made for one) and it was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.

However, if you don’t find yourself lucky enough to book a Valentine’s Day spot, then I sincerely suggest setting up a reservation for any other night to experience the usual six course offering. Either of these will be tailor made to your tastes and specifications, with the promise that you’ll absolutely love what he prepares – or he’ll just make you a new dish until you are absolutely satisfied. But if my experience is any indication, I have a feeling he’ll only need one shot. To book a dinner reservation at Romeo’s Cafe, call (305) 859-2228.

Thank you to Chef Romeo and his team for the warm hospitality and delicious meal. We will certainly be visiting again soon.

When I started blogging back in 2004 (those LiveJournal days!), the appeal was that I could hide behind the page and just get the words out without having to really show my face. Not that I wanted to hide behind anonymity – it wasn’t really about that at all. It was really more about my overwhelmingly introverted side remaining just that: out of view and happily so.

I’m a writer by nature. Always have been. I was a writer when I was 7 and started drafting my own short stories because weekly trips to the library couldn’t keep up with my demand for make-believe. I was a writer through my painfully awkward teen years when I was convinced that Fiona Apple was the authority on all things poetic. And I was a writer through my college years when I first got published in the St. Petersburg Times and actually got paid for it (I was seriously thrilled). But none of those ever required there to be a face behind the words. Nobody cared who I was on LiveJournal. They just read it and left me comments. Or they didn’t. Either way, I was fine with it.

I guess things are a little different now. Partly because being a blogger now means having to put a face to your words. And partly because I’m a little less introverted than I used to be (I attribute it to daring myself to try new things after the loss of a good friend when I was in my 20’s.) And it was time to update my pictures since I’ve had the same ones up from when I first started Bubbles & Ink. So after a few months of convincing, I let my husband put me in front of the camera and snap a few shots.

Now, don’t let this end result fool you. I didn’t just glide in, smile, and feel automatically glamorous. These shots came as a result of an initial attempt outdoors in Brickell where the rain did a serious number on my professionally styled hair and an unfortunate choice of outfit left me feeling like a 12-year-old with a Wednesday Addams complex gone wrong. (I do truly adore Wednesday Addams but my first outfit was about 10 years my junior. I need to stop shopping on ModCloth. I will be 35 in April, for Christ’s sake.)

No, these shots, these with the smiling and the lounging on fur and casually strewn pillows – these were the end result of about a half bottle of champagne and a whole lot of letting go. Letting go of the fact that I’m no longer 25. Letting go of the idea in my head of what I’m supposed to look like. And letting go of the fact that I’m still at least 20 lbs over where I’d hoped to be by now, but understanding that it’s not the end of the world. Seriously. There are so many other real things to be focused on.

So here they are. The result of a whole lot convincing, reassuring, and patient encouragement from my ridiculously supportive husband. And a whole lot of champagne. And I’m pretty happy with them. So pleased, in fact, that I decided not to Photoshop myself into a thinner, younger, more polished version of me. And that feels kinda nice.

One of the greatest things going on in Miami lately is the burgeoning food and beer scene. It’s not a trend. It’s not a gimmick. What feels like an overdue movement for those of us who have grown up here has finally come to pass – we’re moving forward. We’re creating a scene. And that scene is here to stay, making quality craft beer and exciting gourmet the new standard around this city.

Take, for example, The Mighty, or 180° @ the DRB, both of which are serious about their gastropub titles and holding strong to making that something they earn, not just a term trendily embossed on the front door. The chef and owner of the latter, Ryan Martin, recently let me interview him about these very topics (which you can read here). And his message is clear: Good food and beer have to come from the heart; there has to be an honesty about it. And, though honesty may not necessarily be the term you’d think to associate with Miami, maybe there’s a part of the city that’s ready for a change.

But, words are wind, as they say. So my suggestion is to try these places and see what they have to say, and whether they feel authentic to you in a city that’s known for its superficial nature. Being a native, it was refreshing for me to finally see this kind of genuine effort start to take over and set down roots in this otherwise transient city. But I know for anyone in Miami, the proof is in the product. So, to experience this food & beer scene for yourself, check out the upcoming beer pairing dinner at 180° @ the DRB, going on Wednesday, February 4th. Get your tickets here to attend a six course meal prepared by Chef Ryan paired with beer from Boulevard Brewing Co. Then let me know what you think.

Thoughts on these places and the foodie scene taking shape in Miami? I’d love to hear your opinion. Am I being naive? Or are we finally seeing a genuine effort?

There’s networking, and then there’s networking with craft beer. And if you were lucky enough to attend KR’s recent Beer Bash, then you know that small detail makes a world of difference. Read ahead for some tips on navigating the new style of networking that is (thankfully) shaping the way people make connections.

What I once dreaded back in my corporate days has become a necessity for someone with an independent work status. Networking is a crucial part of meeting people and establishing meaningful work relationships. But back in my office setting, networking had never been as enticing as it is now. The attention is finally shifting from stiff, awkward gatherings to relaxed interactions.

Take, for example, the recent Beer Bash put on by Kaufman Rossin. Conceptualized by one of its millennial leaders , the gathering not only successfully brought together 200 eager young professionals with a genuine mutual interest, it also managed to join everyone with the common thread of appreciation for the local beer community.

Of course, it can’t just all be about food and drinks (though I’d love it to be). The point is to meet, mingle, and actually build mutually beneficial work relationships. So, though the ambiance may be festive, there are still a few things to keep in mind when attending events. Read ahead for some tips to navigating the new settings of the forward-thinking networking environment.

1. Dress the part. Suits may not necessarily be required but a professional and polished look that’s appropriate for your industry definitely is. Don’t slack on the outfit. It will leave an impression. Whether it’s a good one is entirely up to you.

2. Bring business cards. Yes, it’s true that it’s easy to find pretty much anyone’s business information online. But there’s something about handing someone your business card or accepting one from them that makes the transaction a bit more personal and memorable.

3. Socialize. Don’t just stand awkwardly by the food or beer (though that may be tempting). Go out and talk to people. See who you meet. Make an effort to come out of your comfort zone and at least introduce yourself to two new people.

4. Keep it casual. Just because it’s a networking event doesn’t mean you have to only talk about work. Don’t force the business talk. Start with casual conversation and see where that leads. What you do for a living and what industry you’re in will make its way into the conversation organically. No need to make it cut and dry. Everyone is there for the same thing.

5. Keep your poise. The drinks and food may be fun but too much of either can lead to unflattering results. Above all else, stay professional and polished.

6. Have fun. Still, after reading the above, that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t have some fun. Loosen up, get into the flow of the event, and enjoy yourself. No one wants to talk to the stiff suit in the corner who can’t crack a smile.

To stay up to date with Kaufman Rossin’s events, click here. Got any tips for networking from your own personal experience? I’d love to hear them!

Thanks to Kaufman Rossin for putting on one of the most enjoyable networking events I’ve ever attended. Craft beer and good food are a definite winning combination.